The Oswego Senior Center joined with community partners to develop a regional Dementia Friendly Advisory Council. With the goal of using a dementia-friendly lens to serve its residents and growing population of older adults, Dementia Friendly Oswegoland/Kendall County includes partners such as the park district, fire department, library, Village of Oswego leadership and the local hospital system.
The Oswego Action Plan, developed in coordination with community members living with dementia and care partners, includes plans to provide sector-specific trainings, develop Dementia Friends Champions, engage youth, provide caregiver education and promote steps to become dementia-friendly at community events. The team has already implemented several initiatives to support people with dementia and their care partners, including a monthly dementia education and discussion series, monthly opportunities for individual cognitive screenings, and a new respite program, which supports participants in an integrated, active community senior center environment.